Kubinski: Take time to thank our teachers

If you stop to look back at the people who have had the greatest influence on your life, it is very likely that you are going to think of a teacher.

Beyond their ability to lead young minds through a journey of exploration and discovery, teachers are counselors, referees, nurses, entertainers and confidants to our children on a daily basis.

By the time a student graduates from high school, he or she will spend approximately 16,000 hours with 40 teachers, but the impact of one great teacher can spark a reaction that will continue on long after this time is gone.

As the school year winds down, our students have undoubtedly come to love and respect that special teacher that he or she has said “good morning” to 161 times since August.

In return, this teacher has taken a special interest in each and every one of his or her students. Although a teacher can have between 900 and 4,500 students in his or her career, each one builds a special place in the teacher’s heart and is never forgotten, only remembered for the joy he or she brought.

Every day our students express their appreciation for our teachers without realizing it. Whether it is by walking through the door with a smile, showing pride in an accomplishment, taking on challenges in or out of the classroom, showing kindness toward others, or just growing in confidence, ability and citizenship, the life of a teacher has daily rewards built in. Yet, doesn’t that special teacher in your life deserve a little extra recognition? Well, here’s your chance!

May 6 through May 10 is National Teacher Appreciation Week. It’s time to go that extra step to show your teachers how much they mean to you and to recognize all that they have done for our students, families, schools and community.

Please, take the time to do something extra special for a teacher this week. They put in countless hours, display endless patience and their hard work deserves our recognition.

In years to come, when you look back on how much you or your child has learned from this person, you will be glad you took the time to say, “Thank you!”

Darcie Kubinski is the principal at Minooka Community High School. She can be contacted by emailing her at dkubinski@mchs.net.